We're in a builder's development on a small lot. Since our house is a ranch (1800 square feet), our yard is small. We did have the back professionally landscaped because we didn't want any grass back there. We have mounds with large boulders, paths, and a large paver brick patio. The designer did a great job giving us privacy using a row of arbor vitae trees, as well as other large bushes and ornamental trees strategically placed. We don't have any solar or wind energy. We're thinking of adding a water feature for the birds, etc. that come to our yard. The backyard has to fend for itself because it's my husband's responsibility and he's still working (at least that's his excuse)!